FA864924P1014

Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase II

Next-Generation LWIR Seeker Cost Reduction and Performance Enhancement for cUAS Applications

Direct-to-Phase-II Open Call for Innovative Defense-Related Dual- Purpose Technologies/Solutions with a Clear Air Force Stakeholder Need

The U.S. Department of the Air Force (DAF) requires advanced counter unmanned aerial system (cUAS) technologies to combat the exponentially growing threat of UAS in the battlefield. Existing systems are notoriously expensive and unreliable, which was recently seen with the employment of the Raytheon Coyote system for force protection in Syria where just two (2) elements of an incoming drone swarm were shot down.[1] To address this critical gap for force protection for the DAF, we are proposing the development of the Advanced Lethality System (ALS) which is a lowest cost in-class (just $50k/shot) dual-mode SAL/LWIR seeker solution for the existing and fielded APKWS program of record. The ALS solution will use existing program of record launchers and APKWS units that are in circulation, which will lead to streamlined deployment of this solution across the DAF and DoD. This effort in particular is aimed at developing advanced simulation tooling for ALS, developing a tip-to-tail system integration plan, enhancing tracking algorithms for cUAS seekers for reduced target engagement times, and demonstrating in test shots.

The goal of phase II is to continue the R&D efforts initiated in Phase I. Funding is based on the results achieved in Phase I and the scientific and technical merit and commercial potential of the project proposed in Phase II.

AFX246-DPCSO1

F2D-13836

X24.6

Daniel Fang